Whitman Barnes leaves UNCW baseball team after two seasons

WILMINGTON, NC (UNCW) — UNCW redshirt sophomore pitcher Whitman Barnes surprised a lot of people on Wednesday when he announced on social media that he doesn’t intend to return to the UNCW baseball team. The New Bern High grad nhad a 2-2 record with a 5.91 era in 2016 with 23 appearances for the Seahawks.

“After many months of discussion and processing I have decided to hang up my cleats. I want to thank the entire UNCW athletic department, coaches, and teammates for an amazing experience since I have been at UNCW. I also want to thank everyone that has supported and helped me throughout my career in baseball since I started out. Finally I want to thank my father for pushing me and making me the player and man I am today. I wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for the countless sacrifices he has made to give me the opportunity to play the game of baseball. I look forward to life after baseball and I am excited to see what lies ahead.”